Hi,

On the Darby the only parts you have to contend with below the waterline is the skeg and the rudders. I simply build the structure using CA then use sanding sealer bought at any hardware or building supply dealer. Put on a coat, sand it down slightly, put on a coat, sand it down slightly etc. An alternative measure would be to build the structure as normally and then use Epoxy thinned out with rubbing alcohol. When the epoxy dries you can sand it down. After each method you would simply prime and paint it as usual. As for the above water structures, cabin, crane etc, I would simply build the structure and prime and paint it. Under normal circumstances it would (or shouldn't anyway!!!) get wet. An alternative to that is to do what I described in the previous post about using styrene. For me, that is the easiest and gives the best results. You wouldn't have to worry about filling in the grain as plastic has none, unlike wood. Any way you go just take your time and you will end up with a ship you can be very proud of.

Hope that helps,
Pete